Holiness Restored: Embracing Christ as Our Perfect Priest

 

Summary

In today's message, we delved into the profound theme of "Holiness Restored," drawing from Hebrews 7:23-28. We explored the concept of holiness, not as an abstract ideal, but as a tangible reality restored to us through Christ. We examined the limitations of the Old Testament priesthood and celebrated the perfect priesthood of Jesus, who intercedes for us eternally.

We began by acknowledging the sacrificial system established by God, which utilized priests as mediators between humanity and the divine. These priests, however, were finite and fallen, their service marred by mortality and sin. We recognized that any system dependent on human mediators is inherently flawed, as it is built upon those who will pass away and those who are imperfect.

We then turned our attention to the "praying priests" – the various substitutes we erect as mediators in our spiritual lives. We discussed how some build their faith on peers, allowing their spiritual walk to be dictated by the company they keep. Others rely on positions of authority or spiritual heritage, mistakenly believing that these confer a special standing before God. We also considered those who only approach God in times of trouble, their relationship with Him predicated on problems rather than His enduring presence and power.

In contrast, we celebrated Jesus as the perfect priest, whose sacrifice was once for all. Unlike the earthly priests who had to offer sacrifices for their own sins before interceding for the people, Jesus was holy, innocent, and unstained. His priesthood is unending, and through Him, we are able to draw near to God with confidence.

The restoration of holiness is not about returning to a former state but being transformed into the likeness of Christ. It is a costly process, one that required the ultimate sacrifice. Yet, the value lies not in the components of our being but in the effort of God to restore us to our original purpose and maintain us in that state of holiness.

Now, let us reflect on the key takeaways from today's sermon:

1. The finite nature of human mediators highlights the necessity of a perfect priest. Our reliance on others for spiritual guidance must not overshadow our personal relationship with Christ, who is the eternal mediator between God and man. His priesthood does not pass away, and through Him, we have direct access to the Father. [01:04:10]

2. Building our spiritual lives on the shifting sands of peer influence, positions of authority, or even our problems is a precarious foundation. True stability is found in anchoring our faith in Jesus, whose priesthood is perfect and whose intercession is constant. He invites us to a life that overcomes, not one that is perpetually recovering from defeat. [01:28:58]

3. The value of our spiritual restoration lies not in our own efforts but in the work Christ has done on our behalf. Just as the restored car's worth was in its return to original design, so our worth is found in being made new in Christ. This restoration is a gift of grace, not something we can earn or achieve on our own. [58:16]

4. The peace of God is a hallmark of a life set apart. In the midst of chaos and confusion, we are called to a posture of peace, not panic. This peace is a testament to the transformative power of God's presence in our lives, moving us from a state of constant turmoil to one of divine tranquility. [01:34:22]

5. Our spiritual heritage or lineage, while influential, cannot be the sole basis of our faith. Each individual must cultivate a personal relationship with God. We are called to be active participants in our spiritual journey, not passive inheritors of someone else's faith. This personal engagement with God ensures that our spiritual life is authentic and vibrant. [01:26:57]

May these insights guide us as we continue to seek a deeper understanding of what it means to live a life set apart, fully restored in holiness through our perfect priest, Jesus Christ.

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Holiness Restored"

#### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 7:23-28: "The former priests were many in number because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever."

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the key differences between the former priests and Jesus as described in Hebrews 7:23-28?
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the limitations of the Old Testament priesthood? ([52:17])
3. How does the sermon describe the concept of "praying priests" and what are some examples given? ([01:10:44])
4. What does the sermon say about the value of our spiritual restoration in Christ? ([58:16])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus' priesthood is described as permanent and unending in Hebrews 7:24-25?
2. How does the sermon explain the concept of building our spiritual lives on "shifting sands" like peer influence or positions of authority? ([01:10:44])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of personal effort versus the work of Christ in our spiritual restoration? ([58:16])
4. How does the peace of God serve as a hallmark of a life set apart, according to the sermon? ([01:34:22])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Have you ever relied too heavily on human mediators (like pastors or spiritual leaders) instead of cultivating a direct relationship with Christ? How can you shift your focus to Jesus as your eternal mediator? ([01:04:10])
2. Think about your current spiritual foundation. Are there areas where you are building on "shifting sands" such as peer influence or positions of authority? What steps can you take to anchor your faith more firmly in Jesus? ([01:28:58])
3. The sermon emphasizes the value of our spiritual restoration through Christ's work. How can you remind yourself daily that your worth is found in being made new in Christ, not in your own efforts? ([58:16])
4. In moments of chaos and confusion, how do you typically respond? What practical steps can you take to cultivate a posture of peace and trust in God's transformative power? ([01:34:22])
5. Reflect on your spiritual heritage. While it may have influenced your faith, how can you ensure that your relationship with God is personal and vibrant? What practices can you adopt to deepen your personal engagement with God? ([01:26:57])
6. Consider a time when you approached God primarily in times of trouble. How can you develop a more consistent and enduring relationship with Him, not just one based on problems? ([01:10:44])
7. The sermon mentions the costly process of being transformed into the likeness of Christ. What sacrifices or changes might God be calling you to make in order to live a life set apart in holiness? ([58:16])

May these questions guide your discussion and reflection as you seek to understand and live out the profound theme of "Holiness Restored" through our perfect priest, Jesus Christ.

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the Perfect Priesthood
The finite nature of human mediators underscores the need for a perfect intermediary. This realization should not diminish the value of spiritual mentors but rather highlight the unique and eternal role of Christ as the mediator between God and humanity. His priesthood is unchanging, and through Him, believers have direct access to the Father. This access invites individuals to a personal and intimate relationship with God, one that is not dependent on any human agent. The priesthood of Jesus is a cornerstone of faith, providing a direct line to divine guidance and support.

"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time." (1 Timothy 2:5-6 ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a more personal relationship with Christ as your mediator, rather than relying solely on human guidance?

Day 2: Anchored in Christ Alone
Building a spiritual life on anything other than Christ is like constructing a house on sand. Peer influence, authority figures, and personal crises are unstable foundations that can shift and crumble. In contrast, Jesus offers a solid rock upon which to build a life of faith. His perfect priesthood and constant intercession provide believers with a stable and secure anchor. This stability is not just about avoiding defeat but about living a victorious life through the power of Jesus, who overcomes the world and its challenges.

"But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one." (2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV)

Reflection: What are some ways you might be relying on unstable foundations for your spiritual life, and how can you shift your reliance to Jesus?

Day 3: The Gift of Graceful Restoration
The true value of spiritual restoration is found not in human effort but in the redemptive work of Christ. Just as a restored car gains worth from its return to the original design, so too does a believer's worth come from being made new in Christ. This transformation is a gift of grace, freely given and unearned. It is a divine process that brings individuals back to their intended purpose and maintains them in a state of holiness, reflecting the image of Jesus.

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on the areas of your life that need restoration. How can you more fully embrace the grace of God in transforming these areas?

Day 4: The Peace of Divine Tranquility
The peace of God is a distinguishing mark of a life set apart by holiness. In a world filled with chaos and confusion, believers are called to embody peace, not panic. This peace is a testament to the transformative power of God's presence, which moves individuals from a state of turmoil to one of divine tranquility. It is a peace that surpasses understanding and guards the hearts and minds of those who live in Christ Jesus.

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15 ESV)

Reflection: In what situations do you find it most challenging to maintain peace? How can you allow the peace of Christ to rule in your heart during these times?

Day 5: Authentic Faith Beyond Heritage
While spiritual heritage and lineage can be influential, they cannot be the sole basis of one's faith. Each person must cultivate their own relationship with God, actively participating in their spiritual journey. This personal engagement ensures that faith is not merely inherited but is vibrant and authentic. It is through this individual connection with God that believers can grow and mature in their spiritual lives, becoming true disciples of Christ.

"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV)

Reflection: How can you take steps to ensure that your faith is your own and not just a reflection of your spiritual heritage or upbringing?

Quotes

1) "The value was not in the parts themselves; the value was in the effort it took to return them back to their original creation and keep them there." [58:16] (Download)

2) "The priest became the mediator how a sinful people could reach a holy God." [01:01:52] (Download)

3) "We recognize that priests eventually will pass away so when we talk about passing priests we recognize the sacrificial system this mediator that was to put us back into fellowship with God was already flawed from the beginning." [01:02:39] (Download)

4) "The power of those priests would pass away, the power that they demonstrated was always supposed to be a shadow of something more perfect, passing priests." [01:10:44] (Download)

5) "Some of us have built our whole walk with God on our friend group, and I'm holy just as long as they holy, and if they decide to do something different, I'll do something different." [01:14:40] (Download)

6) "For every great spiritual leader that we know, we also have a list of every spiritual leader that wasn't so great." [01:06:11] (Download)

7) "Some of us only know how to serve God if we not coming back from doing something wrong. Some of us only know the conversation of 'I'm sorry'." [01:27:44] (Download)

8) "For some of us, one of the things that we build our lives off is pastors... but I'm telling you right now, family, this is how we build our relationship not on a situation or a circumstance, my relationship is built on an immovable savior, peace in Jesus' name." [01:34:22] (Download)

9) "Some of us don't know how to serve God if we're not coming back from doing something wrong. Some of us only know how to serve Him in chaos." [01:28:20] (Download)

10) "Some of us have relied to heaven on our lineage... being raised in a Christian home, being raised under the teachings of God does not mean that you have accepted them. It is not enough." [01:25:28] (Download)

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jan 29, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?